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Plastering And Stucco Contractor Insurance Illinois

Plastering And Stucco Contractor Insurance Illinois. If you are a IL plastering and/or stucco contractor, you have a difficult job on your hands. From repairing and priming surfaces that you are working on to ensuring that you are using the right materials, and most importantly, making sure that you are delivering the highest quality work, you invest so much in the work that you do.

Plasterers install drywall, plaster, and wallboard to the interior walls and ceilings of residential and commercial buildings for decoration, insulation, waterproofing, soundproofing, or fireproofing the room or area. Exterior work may consist of applying stucco, cement or similar materials to decorate or finish the outside walls.

On top of all of the demands of your job, there is another difficulty that you may have to contend with: the possibility of being sued. There are so many risks that are associated with plastering and stucco work, such as damaging the property you are working on or injuring someone in the middle of a project. Since someone taking legal action against you is a real possibility, it's important that you protect yourself.

Purchasing a plastering and stucco contractor insurance Illinois policy that is designed for plastering and stucco contractors is the best way to safeguard yourself and your business from financial loss.

Plastering and stucco contractor insurance Illinois protects your business from lawsuits with rates as low as $47/mo. Get a fast quote and your certificate of insurance now.

Even though you are an expert in your trade, you have ample experience, and you use the highest quality tools and equipment, there is still a chance that something can go wrong. For example, what happens if the scaffolding you secure to a building isn't secured properly, or what if the stucco or plaster you installed doesn't properly adhere to a structure? In these types of situations, personal injury or property damage could occur.

Accidents can happen - even to the most experienced contractors. In the event that an accident does unfold, you could end up being sued and held liable for any injuries or damages. Legal fees, the costs associated with medical bills and repairs to a property, as well as any other compensation that a judge might award the party that sues you could be astronomical. Imagine having to pay for such costs out of your own pocket? You could be looking at serious financial trouble, and there's even a chance that you would have to fold your business.

Because of the risks that are associated with being a contractor, it's important to protect yourself and your business. The best way to do that is with the proper plastering and stucco contractor insurance Illinois coverage.

Stucco & Plaster Contractors Risk Exposures

Poorly installed stucco can cause many issues for your customers - and issues associated with stucco go undetected for a while and get worse over time. Synthetic stucco is commonly referred to as Exterior Insulating and Finish System (EIFS) has itsown issues too. As moisture penetrates into the porous stucco, it can ruin the plywood on which the stucco was plastered, damaging walls and threating the integrity of your customer's building or the health of those living inside.

Even though stucco is a very popular with IL homes and businesses, the number of stucco insurance claims has also risen steadily over the years. Many claimants have said that their buildings have had one or more of the following problems with their stucco installations:

Humidity in the building increases, which can cause illness or damage to belongings.

Insect infestations, like termites, ants and other insects start to damage the walls.

Mold, mildew, or fungi growth on the interior walls or on window frames.

Black mold may start to form, which can cause black mold exposure and black mold poisoning which commonly cause: chronic coughing and sneezing, irritation to the eyes, mucus membranes of the nose and throat, rashes, chronic fatigue and persistent headaches.

Rotting of wood trim.

Cracking of the drywall and cracking, peeling, and bubbling of paint.

Cracking on the EIFS dressing bands around windows.

Loss of structural integrity - rotting wood from exposure over time causes the building to become unsafe, and impossible to sell.

These are just a few of the potential exposures plaster and stucco installers face - all of which could lead to massive claims, legal fees and awards if you are found to be at fault.

Commercial General Liability For IL Contractors

Commercial general liability insurance is a basic insurance policy that covers a majority of the risks that IL plaster and stucco contractors face. Coverages that this type of policy offers include:

Premises Liability - If you operate your business out of an office or a warehouse and clients or vendors are welcomed on the property, you can be held liable for any injuries that might occur. For example, if a client trips over a misplaced tool in your warehouse and breaks a bone, you are responsible for covering the cost of any medical bills that are associated with the injury. General liability insurance will cover the medical costs, as well as any legal fees that may arise as a result of a lawsuit, and additional damages that could be awarded.

Products Liability - If one of the products you offer your clients is defective, you could be held responsible. For example, if something happens with the plaster or stucco and damages a property, you could be held responsible. Plastering and stucco contractor insurance Illinois will cover the costs that are associated with defective products, as well as any legal fees that could arise as a result of a faulty product.

Completed Operations - After you plaster or stucco a client's property, there is a possibility that something could go wrong. For instance, stucco could crack, fall, and cause an injury. If the client sues you after you have completed your job, general liability insurance will provide coverage for legal fees, medical bills, and any other costs that may be associated with a lawsuit.

How Much Does Plastering And Stucco Contractor Insurance Cost?

The cost for this type of insurance policy varies. Commercial insurance providers take several factors into consideration when calculating costs, including the size of your business and the risks that are associated with operating your business. Additionally, the amount of coverage you will need, payroll and employee size can also affect the price.

IL Plastering Contractor's Risks & Exposures

Premises liability exposures at the contractor's office are generally limited due to lack of public access. Off-site exposures include damage to the clients' other property by the contractor's employees, bodily injury to members of the household, the public or employees of other contractors. Tools, power cords, plastering materials and scrap all pose trip hazards even when not in use.

If there is work at heights, falling tools or supplies may cause damage and injury if dropped from ladders and scaffolding. Contractors can damage customers' premises removing old ceiling and wall coverings.

Completed operations liability exposures depend on the type of plastering being done. If the plastering is for waterproofing or fireproofing, faulty installation can result in significant property damage, and in the case of fireproofing, loss of life.

A growing concern is the installation of exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS). This refers to a synthetic stucco with insulating properties that has recently been blamed for causing moisture and termite problems affecting the structural integrity of a residence. It is not clear whether the manufacturer or the installer has the greater liability.

Environmental impairment liability exposures arise from the removal, transport, and disposal of waste and old debris that has been removed from the job site. As some of these older materials may include lead-based paints or asbestos, proper disposal procedures must be in place. Transportation and disposal procedures must adhere to all EPA and other regulatory standards. Training and supervision of employees is critical.

Workers compensation exposure varies based on the size and nature of the job. When work is done on ladders and scaffolds, there is a potential for severe injury or death from falling or being struck by falling objects, or from severe weather during exterior operations.

Drywall installation may involve the use of low stilts in the mudding and taping phases. Back injuries, hernias, sprains and strains can result from lifting or plastering in awkward positions. Repetitive motion injuries may occur. Drywall and wallboard need to be cut to size, which can result in cuts and piercings. Dust cutting, trimming, and mixing operations can irritate eyes and lungs.

Property exposures are usually limited to an office and storage for supplies, tools and vehicles. Most supplies are not flammable or combustible, nor are they normally considered target theft items.

Crime exposures are from employee dishonesty. Background checks, including criminal history, should be performed on all employees providing services to customers or handling money. All ordering, billing and disbursement should be handled as separate duties with reconciliations occurring regularly.

Inland marine exposures include accounts receivable if the plasterer offers credit to customers, contractors' equipment and tools, goods in transit, installation floater, and valuable papers and records for customers' and suppliers' information. Equipment may be limited to trowels, spray guns, and other hand tools, or there may be ladders, scaffolding, and similar equipment.

The contractor may rent, lease or borrow equipment for unusual jobs or own special equipment that is leased, rented or loaned to others when not in use. The materials awaiting installation are subject to loss or damage by moisture, by employees of other contractors, vandalism, and theft.

Commercial auto exposures include the transportation of workers, equipment, and materials to and from job sites. MVRs must be run on a regular basis. Random drug and alcohol testing should be conducted. Vehicles must be well maintained with records kept in a central location.

Plastering & Stucco Contractor Insurance

Commercial general liability insurance is a must-have for plastering and stucco contractors. Speak to a reputable insurance broker to learn more about coverage options and costs.

Illinois Economic Data & Business Insurance Requirements

For moguls who are thinking about conducting business-related affairs in Illinois, it's important to have an understanding of the state's economic outlook. It's also a wise idea to familiarize yourself with the regulations regarding IL commercial insurance.

Here we provide some insight regarding the data that pertains to economy of Illinois. We also provide a brief overview about the types of commercial insurance coverage business owners are required to invest in, or should invest in, even if it isn't mandatory.

Business Economic Trends In The State Of Illinois

According to several reports that compile the economic data for each of the 50 states and compare that information to the national average, Illinois isn't in the best position. While there has been some improvement, the gains have only been slight. Income and employment rates have risen, and the housing market has increases; however, the gains in these areas have been minimal, especially when compared to the gains that other states have experienced.

While the unemployment rate has improved, falling to 4.8 percent in 2017 after it was stuck at a rate of almost 6 percent in 2016 and 2015, it appears that in reality, the IL labor force and employment gains are contradicting. In 2019, tens of thousands of people fell out of the state's labor force.

Looking to the future, it is predicted that while the employment rate in Illinois will grow, the rate at which it will grow will be much lower than the national average. Currently the projected annual job growth of the state is .5 percent. Following are some of the largest industries in IL.

Agriculture

Exports

Manufacturing

Mining

Service Industries

Illinois Commercial Insurance Regulations

The Illinois Department of Insurance regulates insurance in IL. Businesses are required to carry workers compensation insurance. Workers comp is mandatory for any business that employs either an hourly or a salaried workforce, even if that workforce is just one person. Organizations are also required to carry IL commercial auto insurance if they use vehicles for any business-related reasons, such as deliveries, transport, or client visits.

General liability insurance is not required, nor is commercial property insurance; however, it is a wise idea for companies to invest in this type of coverage, as it will safeguard from lawsuits or losses that their properties could sustain.

Additional Resources For Contractors & Home Improvement Insurance

Learn about small business contractor's insurance, including what it covers, how much it costs - and how commercial insurance can help protect your contracting business from lawsuits.

If a contractor wants to begin or stay in business, liability coverage must be obtained for the premises or operations, off-site locations and products/completed operations exposures. These coverages may be included as a part of a businessowners policy (BOP) or purchased in a commercial general liability (CGL) policy. Owners and contractors protective liability and railroad protective liability coverages may also be required in certain cases in order for a contractor to obtain a particular job.

Many contractors do not have the usual location-specific buildings and business personal property exposures. Their business property is more mobile and, therefore, better covered with inland marine coverage forms. However, for those larger contractors that own buildings and/or maintain business inventory there are many coverage forms and choices available to them.

Contractors use their vehicles to get to and from their workplaces and jobsites. They also use vehicles to transport equipment and inventory to those locations. It is important to cover the liability of these vehicles for injury or damage they may cause, as well as to provide coverage for damage to the vehicles themselves.

Employers are required to provide coverage for injuries sustained by their employees while on the job. Contractors must comply with these requirements but some try to avoid them by hiring subcontractors. These subcontractors may actually operate and qualify as employees. The relationship between a contractor and its subcontractors must be carefully evaluated in order to determine if workers compensation coverage is still needed.